RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Riverside County offers filmmakers an incredible mix of locations, from historic landmarks like the Mission Inn and downtown Riverside to dramatic desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and resort cities such as Palm Springs.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
LOCATION SCOUTING GUIDE
Filming in Riverside County has become increasingly popular because of the region’s diverse scenery and proximity to Los Angeles. The county features everything from desert landscapes and rugged mountains to suburban neighborhoods, farmland, and historic downtown streets, allowing filmmakers to capture a variety of settings within a short distance. Areas such as Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are especially recognized for their cinematic desert views, while cities like Riverside offer urban and historic backdrops.
FILMING IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Riverside County Film Commission (RCFC), which is managed by Inland Empire Film Services (IEFS), providing a streamlined one-stop process for film productions. Permits are mandatory for all filming activities, and many county-owned locations do not charge fees for shoots lasting less than ten days, provided the necessary insurance is in place. IEFS also offers assistance with traffic control, public notifications, and special effects approvals, making Riverside County a film-friendly destination. We recommend contacting RCFC before scouting this region to get the latest information on film permitting in Riverside County.
Research Incentives, Subsidies & Discounts
♦State Of California
The State of California offers Free film permits for all California State properties. No location fees for filming on state-owned land (e.g., freeways, roads, beaches, parks, buildings, and facilities). Monitor reimbursement is typically required, even though permits and locations are free.
The California Film Commission (CFC) oversees the process and provides centralized support for all State Properties.
The CFC works in coordination with over 55 regional film offices across the state to ensure smooth and efficient filming logistics.
The Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS) is a professional association made up of these film commissions and offices, all dedicated to promoting filming throughout California. FLICS members offer free assistance to productions, providing support with locations, permits, local resources, and regional expertise to help filmmakers navigate the process and successfully shoot across the state.
The State of California provides a film and television Tax Credit Program with a current annual allocation of $750 million. This program offers tax credits to offset qualified production expenses, encouraging film and television productions to shoot in California. The credits can be applied towards any tax liabilities within the state.
Visit the California Film Commission for more information.
♦Riverside County
Riverside County has waived all of their film permit fees in the unincorporated county and are offering free use of County owned properties for projects lasting 10 days or less. Visit the Riverside County Film Commission for more information.
♦San Jacinto
The City of San Jacinto has adopted a no-fee film permit program as an inducement for film production in the City.
♦Temecula
The City of Temecula has adopted a no-fee film permit program as an inducement for film production in the City.
♦Hemet
The City of Hemet has adopted a program of no fee film permits as an inducement for film production in the City. As an added incentive, there is no charge to film on City property or at / in City-owned buildings once approved by the City.
IEFS charges a fee to facilitate this Permit for Productions Film Permits
Research Fees, Timelines, Requirements & Restrictions
Riverside County has 28 incorporated cities. Many of these permit offices do not reference filming or film permit requirements on their website. Contact the Riverside County Film Commission if you have any questions regarding any of the Permit Offices in Riverside County. ♦ Film Offices with 3 days or less to process film permits.
BANNING
Contact IEFS about filming in Banning.
City of Banning
CALIMESA
Contact IEFS about filming in Calimesa.
City of Calimesa
COACHELLA
Contact IEFS about filming in Coachella.
City of Coachella
EASTVALE
Contact IEFS about filming in Eastvale.
City of Eastvale
INDIO
Contact IEFS about filming in Indio.
City of Indio
LAKE ELSINORE (7)
Basic App Fee: $50
Allow at least (7) business days prior to start of filming.
Film Permits
MURRIETA
Contact IEFS about filming in Murrieta.
Film Permit
City of Murrieta
♦PALM SPRINGS (3)
Basic App Fee: $233
(3) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
RIVERSIDE (5)
Basic App Fee: $204
(5) business days prior to start.
(8) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
Riverside Film Commission
WILDOMAR
Contact IEFS about filming in Wildomar.
Film Permit
City of Wildomar
BEAUMONT
Contact IEFS about filming in Beaumont.
City of Beaumont
CANYON LAKE
Contact IEFS about filming in Canyon Lake.
City of Canyon Lake
CORONA
Contact IEFS about filming in Corona.
City of Corona
HEMET (5)
Allow up to (5) days prior to filming. The City of Hemet does not charge for Film Permits.
City of Hemet
IEFS does charge a fee to facilitate this permit for production.
JURUPA VALLEY
Contact IEFS about filming in Jurupa Valley.
City of Jurupa Valley
♦MENIFEE (3-5)
Basic App Fee: $300
Allow up to (3-5) business days prior to start of filming.
Film Permits
NORCO
Contact IEFS about filming in Norco.
City of Norco
PERRIS
Contact IEFS about filming in Perris.
City of Perris
SAN JACINTO
Contact IEFS about filming in San Jacinto.
City of San Jacinto
RIVERSIDE COUNTY (3)
Permit Processing Fee: $129.00 + Daily Inspection Fee $105.00
Riverside County film Commission (RCFC), operated by Inland Empire Film Services, under the auspices of the Riverside County Office of Economic Development, is recognized as the official advocate for filming interests in Riverside County.
BLYTHE
Contact IEFS about filming in Blythe.
City of Blythe
CATHEDRAL CITY
Contact IEFS about filming in Cathedral City.
City of Cathedral City
DESERT HOT SPRINGS
Contact IEFS about filming in Desert Hot Springs.
City of Hot Springs
INDIAN WELLS
Contact IEFS about filming in Indian Wells.
City of Indian Wells
LA QUINTA
Contact IEFS about filming in La Quinta.
Film Permit
City of La Quinta
♦MORENO VALLEY (2)
Allow up to (2) business days prior to start for basic permits on private property.
(5) for requests involving , posted parking, and public right-of-way.
Film Office
PALM DESERT (5)
Basic App Fee: $100
(5) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
RANCHO MIRAGE
Contact IEFS about filming in Rancho Mirage.
City of Rancho Mirage
♦TEMECULA (3)
Contact IEFS about filming in Temecula.
City of Temecula
Film Permit Jurisdictions
Caltrans Highways & Freeways (4)
Basic App Fee: $0
*Caltrans does charge a review fee, as well as an inspection fee for complex requests.
(4) business days prior to start.
(12) for requests involving freeway ramps and lane closures.
(16) for requests involving freeway closures.
CFC Film Permit Office
State Buildings & Facilities (4)
Basic App Fee: $0
*Buildings, and Facilities charge cost-recovery fees in order to accommodate filming.
(4) business days prior to start of prep or shoot.
*Certain activities and locations require a much longer lead time and coordination with additional state departments.
Contact the building or facility before applying.
CFC Film Permit Office
California State Parks (4)
California’s State Parks have played a starring role in film history, offering filmmakers an incredible range of natural backdrops. With mild year-round climates, hundreds of miles of coastline, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, these parks provide unmatched versatility for productions of all kinds. From towering redwoods and rugged mountains to rolling meadows, desert vistas, and sandy beaches, the diversity of trees, plants, and landscapes allows California’s parks to convincingly “stand in” for locations across the globe.
Mountians Recreation & Conservation Authority (5)
At least one week prior is standard, but applications are accepted within three business days of a shoot for +$336 upon approval. The MRCA Film Office issues filming and photography permits for all parkland managed by the MRCA. This includes open space as well as developed parkland and the Mulholland Overlooks.
Fees are unique to the size and activities of each production. Contact the MRCA for more details.
LA County Fire Department
The Public Safety & Film Unit reviews applications for filming permits, commercial still photography, annual fuel truck inspection and special effects permits. The Public Safety and Film Unit sets requirements and may conduct inspections at filming locations to ensure public safety and compliance with the Fire Code.
LA County Department of Parks and Recreation
All filming at County parks, other than non-commercial photos such as among family members, require a film permit issued by Film LA Inc., the entity authorized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to process film permits for all County operated facilities. This also includes film projects by students and non-profit organizations.
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (3)
Basic App Fee: $931.00
Wrap/Clean-up days: $150/day/park
Equipment base camp: $450/day/park
Crew Parking: $100/day/park (1-15 vehicles), $300/day/park (16+ vehicles)
There are 437 parks and 184 recreation centers that the Department manages. There is a power node
located at Griffith Park in the Upper Old Zoo area. Although each park and facility is unique, the step to filming or photography activities is the same.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Filming on LADWP properties within the city, you must obtain your permit through FilmLA. This covers a wide range of locations, from modern to historical buildings, industrial settings, and reservoirs.
Los Angeles Unified School District (4)
Processing for a school license / permit requires a minimum of (4) full business days prior to the first activity date. This does not include the date of submission. Please be advised certain activities may require more advance notice.
FilmLA will help coordinate with the district to ensure you meet all specific requirements.
Bureau of Land Management (15-30)
America’s public lands have long been popular with the motion picture industry, and many major motion pictures, television shows and commercials have been filmed on BLM managed lands.
Unique within the BLM, the California Desert District was created to protect the natural, historic, recreational and economic riches of the diverse and scenic California Desert. Designated as the California Desert Conservation Area by the U.S. Congress, the California Desert District is responsible for protecting and preserving nearly 11 million of its 25 million acres.
Contact Inland Empire Film Services, to process BLM permits for all California Desert District Offices.BLM.
Filming on Public Lands
BLM Offices-California Desert District Office
Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office
BLM Filming Fees
We are committed to keeping this resource current. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know here.
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